This spring I purchased a 1995 F35 (Pedrick) - what a fabulous boat! Her five opening hatches need new gaskets but the previous owner replaced the lenses and I can’t find a brand name. Surfing this forum turns up both Bowmar and Lewmar on various Freedoms, can anyone tell me what hatches were used on the mid-90’s F35?
I have number 46, built the same year as yours. The hatches are by Bomar.
From the survey:
(1) Bomar, 21” x 21”, opening deck hatch, located
on the forward face of the cabin house.
(1) Bomar, 21” x 21”, opening deck hatch, located
in the center of the cabin house roof.
(4) Bomar, 9” x 9”, opening deck hatches, located
near the port and starboard edges of the cabin
house roof and just forward and aft of the traveler.
Interesting footnote on this one: although Bob and I both have 1995 F35s, my hatches turned out to be Lewmar Trimports while Bob has Bowmars. The specific model of the Lewmars would suggest they were original equipment so apparently Freedom used multiple sources.
I’ve also learned that Hatchmasters in Norwalk, CT is a source for gaskets, parts, and refurbishing of discontinued hatches such as mine.
I sent one of my hatches to Hatchmasters a year ago. They did a wonderful job replacing the very crazed lens and making it good as new. Highly recommend.